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14 March 2025
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Three Cape Town firefighters partake in the 10th Grandad’s Army Memorial Ride; From East London to Cape Town
City of Cape Town firefighters Jermaine Carelse, Llewellyn Lackay and Dino Levendall, once again took part in this year’s Grandad’s Army Memorial Ride, which is a cycle event from East London to Cape Town. The 2025 event finished on Thursday, 6 March 2025 as 42 cyclists reached Cape Town, cycling into Gordon's Bay along the picturesque Clarence Drive.
It was Carelse’s fifth time, Lackay’s third time and Levendall’s seventh time participating in this extraordinary event.
The five-day cycle challenge gathered cyclists of diverse ages and walks of life, all to raise funds for a greater cause - the Eyabantwana Trust. On it’s 10th anniversary in March 2025, the event raised R550 000 for children’s health!
Honouring the founders who paved the way for Eyabantwana Trust’s flagship fundraising event
The Grandad’s Army Memorial Ride is more than just a cycling event; it is a journey of passion, perseverance and purpose. We take a moment to honour the six original cyclists who laid the foundation for what has become the flagship fundraising event for the Eyabantwana Trust.
The beginning of a legacy
According to Colin Lazarus, founder of the Eyabantwana Trust, paediatric surgeon and one of the original cyclists, the ride was started as an effort to raise funds for the newly established NPO, with an initial goal of R70 000. The group of cyclists were friends and retired runners looking to take on a new challenge in cycling. Tragically, one of the six, Rob Burton, was killed while riding his bicycle on the road before their departure to Cape Town.
In tribute to their fallen friend, the first ride was named the Rob Burton Memorial Ride. As the years passed and more cyclists were lost, the event evolved into the Grandad’s Army Memorial Ride, symbolising a broader tribute to those dedicated to the Eyabantwana Trust’s mission.
Carving the original route
The first group of riders charted a challenging yet scenic route from East London to Stellenbosch. Their journey took them through Queenstown, Molteno, Middelberg, Graaff-Reinet, Willowmore, De Rust, Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, Ladysmith, Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Robertson, Worcester, Wolseley and Klapmuts before reaching their final destination in Stellenbosch Farms district. Upon arrival, they participated in the Liberty Life Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, marking the completion of their ambitious endeavour.
The birth of Grandad’s Army
From the very first ride, it became evident that this was more than just a one-time event. The Grandad’s Army was officially founded, a group of close-knit cyclists dedicated to raising essential funds for the Eyabantwana Trust while fostering safe cycling practices. Their pioneering ride proved that endurance and heart know no age limits, inspiring the group to make it an annual event.
A ride of remembrance
As the ride evolved over the years, it took on a deeper meaning, becoming a tribute to cyclists who have been lost along the way. This tradition of remembrance underscores the values of unity and appreciation for life. “We do not know which day we will die and so we must be prepared, especially spiritually, for that day,” reflects Rodney Offord, one of the original riders who rode his 10th consecutive ride this year.
Growth and Impact
From its humble beginnings, the Grandad’s Army Memorial Ride has grown in size and scope. The route has been refined, logistics have been streamlined, and younger cyclists have joined the movement, increasing the overall pace and energy of the event. Yet, one element remains unchanged: the unwavering commitment to raising funds for the Eyabantwana Trust.
Since the inaugural ride, this event has raised a staggering R3,5 million, directly benefiting paediatric surgical services in East London. “The funds raised have had a definite practical impact on children’s surgical services in East London hospitals,” Offord affirms. This incredible achievement is a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork and a shared vision.
The 10th edition success
The goal was set to raise R400 000 from this flagship fundraising event, which was surpassed with a successful R550 000, with donations and support still streaming in.
These funds have aided the Eyabantwana Trust in purchasing a Flexible Gastroscope, an essential surgical item required for the Department of Paediatric Surgery - East London. It will be dedicated to the Carte Blanche Paediatric Surgical Theatre at Frere Hospital. This theatre is a dedicated paediatric operating theatre and the only one of its kind within the entire Eastern Cape.
For more information about the Grandads Army Memorial Ride and the Eyabantwana Trust, please contact: Trystan Viaene, public relations officer and fundraiser of the Eyabantwana Trust on mobile: 071 888 8833 or email: [email protected] or visit www.eyabantwana.co.za.
Quote of the week
“Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand.” ~ General Colin Powell
Fire and Rescue International is your magazine.
Read it, use it and share it!
Read the latest FRI magazine: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-vol-7-no-5.html
Read the latest Disaster Management Journal: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-vol-6-no-1.html
FRI magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-archives.html
DMJ magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-magazine.html
Enjoy the read!
Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
Contact us
Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
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It was Carelse’s fifth time, Lackay’s third time and Levendall’s seventh time participating in this extraordinary event.
The five-day cycle challenge gathered cyclists of diverse ages and walks of life, all to raise funds for a greater cause - the Eyabantwana Trust. On it’s 10th anniversary in March 2025, the event raised R550 000 for children’s health!
Honouring the founders who paved the way for Eyabantwana Trust’s flagship fundraising event
The Grandad’s Army Memorial Ride is more than just a cycling event; it is a journey of passion, perseverance and purpose. We take a moment to honour the six original cyclists who laid the foundation for what has become the flagship fundraising event for the Eyabantwana Trust.
The beginning of a legacy
According to Colin Lazarus, founder of the Eyabantwana Trust, paediatric surgeon and one of the original cyclists, the ride was started as an effort to raise funds for the newly established NPO, with an initial goal of R70 000. The group of cyclists were friends and retired runners looking to take on a new challenge in cycling. Tragically, one of the six, Rob Burton, was killed while riding his bicycle on the road before their departure to Cape Town.
In tribute to their fallen friend, the first ride was named the Rob Burton Memorial Ride. As the years passed and more cyclists were lost, the event evolved into the Grandad’s Army Memorial Ride, symbolising a broader tribute to those dedicated to the Eyabantwana Trust’s mission.
Carving the original route
The first group of riders charted a challenging yet scenic route from East London to Stellenbosch. Their journey took them through Queenstown, Molteno, Middelberg, Graaff-Reinet, Willowmore, De Rust, Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, Ladysmith, Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Robertson, Worcester, Wolseley and Klapmuts before reaching their final destination in Stellenbosch Farms district. Upon arrival, they participated in the Liberty Life Stellenbosch Cycle Tour, marking the completion of their ambitious endeavour.
The birth of Grandad’s Army
From the very first ride, it became evident that this was more than just a one-time event. The Grandad’s Army was officially founded, a group of close-knit cyclists dedicated to raising essential funds for the Eyabantwana Trust while fostering safe cycling practices. Their pioneering ride proved that endurance and heart know no age limits, inspiring the group to make it an annual event.
A ride of remembrance
As the ride evolved over the years, it took on a deeper meaning, becoming a tribute to cyclists who have been lost along the way. This tradition of remembrance underscores the values of unity and appreciation for life. “We do not know which day we will die and so we must be prepared, especially spiritually, for that day,” reflects Rodney Offord, one of the original riders who rode his 10th consecutive ride this year.
Growth and Impact
From its humble beginnings, the Grandad’s Army Memorial Ride has grown in size and scope. The route has been refined, logistics have been streamlined, and younger cyclists have joined the movement, increasing the overall pace and energy of the event. Yet, one element remains unchanged: the unwavering commitment to raising funds for the Eyabantwana Trust.
Since the inaugural ride, this event has raised a staggering R3,5 million, directly benefiting paediatric surgical services in East London. “The funds raised have had a definite practical impact on children’s surgical services in East London hospitals,” Offord affirms. This incredible achievement is a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork and a shared vision.
The 10th edition success
The goal was set to raise R400 000 from this flagship fundraising event, which was surpassed with a successful R550 000, with donations and support still streaming in.
These funds have aided the Eyabantwana Trust in purchasing a Flexible Gastroscope, an essential surgical item required for the Department of Paediatric Surgery - East London. It will be dedicated to the Carte Blanche Paediatric Surgical Theatre at Frere Hospital. This theatre is a dedicated paediatric operating theatre and the only one of its kind within the entire Eastern Cape.
For more information about the Grandads Army Memorial Ride and the Eyabantwana Trust, please contact: Trystan Viaene, public relations officer and fundraiser of the Eyabantwana Trust on mobile: 071 888 8833 or email: [email protected] or visit www.eyabantwana.co.za.
Quote of the week
“Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt to offer a solution everybody can understand.” ~ General Colin Powell
Fire and Rescue International is your magazine.
Read it, use it and share it!
Read the latest FRI magazine: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-vol-7-no-5.html
Read the latest Disaster Management Journal: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-vol-6-no-1.html
FRI magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-archives.html
DMJ magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/dmj-magazine.html
Enjoy the read!
Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
Contact us
Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
Websites
www.fireandrescue.co
www.frimedia.org
www.facebook.com/FireandRescueInternational
www.twitter.com/FRI_magazine
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-raath-brownie-16668065/